To build character means you develop the ability to do what is right over what is EASY!
It is EASY to be Rude.
It is EASY to be Irresponsible.
It is EASY to Complain, Blame, Whine & Make Excuses.
It is EASY to Quit.
It is EASY to avoid the Struggles of Life.
It is EASY to take advantage of your Job.
It is EASY to serve yourself and not Others.
Living a life as a Character is so much EASIER than Building a life of Character!
Character-building opportunities happen every day.
They are TESTS to see if we can pass them and move on or get held back to retake the test repeatedly until we pass.
We must start preparing now because there will not be time for a Bible study or months of counseling before you’re forced to make a decision.
Who you really are inside at that moment, your character, will determine what you do.
How do you go about growing your character so that you’ll have what it takes to pass those tests?
Here are 5 Ways to Build Character.
1. Stop the Mental Hoarding
“Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
I had a friend who was a Hoarder, and their home only had a few feet of livable space. Most of the stuff they hoarded was junk, but they viewed it as treasure. A Mental Hoarder is doing this with Friends, Social Media, News, Music, TV, Hobbies, and other things that Corrupt your Character. Our Minds are our indoor homes, and they are overflowing with JUNK. It is time to Clean House.
2. Stop the Bleeding.
One of the most important lifesaving steps is to Stop The Bleeding! One of the Character tests I take is dealing with anger. It has been a challenge for as long as I can remember. Since I know this, it is critical for me to deal with this now and not just wait for the next test. Stop the Bleeding means for you to deal with the things you know are not right in your life. Treat this like the Check Engine Light that goes on in your car. Deal with it now before it becomes a HUGE problem and Cost! If something is Bleeding your character equity, stop the Bleeding first.
3. Grow in Wisdom.
Character is refined when guided by Wisdom. Do not chase or believe facts or academic pursuits can replace Wisdom. Facts and Education will change and fade away, but Wisdom is the Truth and will Never change. Become a student of the Bible – it is the answer to ALL of life’s questions and Tests! Be intentional daily about growing in Wisdom, for it is the path to Character.
4. Create Boundaries
One of the biggest challenges we face is knowing when to say, “No!” We are so busy trying to please others and do everything; we do few things wholeheartedly. It is impossible to do all we say yes to and do it with excellence. The reason we are this way is that we have failed to Create Boundaries. Once you understand your Purpose & Passion in life, you will naturally Create Boundaries. The most important thing you can do today is know what your God-Given Purpose/Passion is. Living without this knowledge is like a ship without a rudder. You will constantly be moved by the storms of others and life! Refusing to be distracted by things that would derail your destiny, you will follow what God has called you to do with your life.
5. Produce Results
Results are the Fruit of our labored Character. Our lives should show evidence of a successful life built on Character. Character is the cornerstone of your life. If you grow it intentionally, you will build a foundation strong enough to hold the Purpose/Passion God has planned for you.
We must be willing to step into the crucible of Character training before we can realize our dreams.
Find Your Passion…Find Your Life!